Keating urges councillors to take leap of faith

THE prospect of Councillor Gabriel Keating leaping off Loop Head, hand in hand with a “cailín eile,” similar to the fabled Diarmuid agus Gráinne jump during na Fianna’s heyday, was mooted at Monday’s otherwise mundane meeting of Kilrush electoral area councillors.
Diarmuid Ua Duibhne and princess Gráinne became embroiled in a seemingly contentious love triangle involving Fionn mac Cumhaill and are reputed to have leaped off Loop Head and onto a small island, while pursued by irate friends of the furious Fionn.
Up to 100 years ago, there was a viewing point located at Loop Head, at a place known as Lovers’ Leap. Visitors could see where the fleeing couple had jumped from and the island on which they landed.
At Monday’s meeting, Councillor Keating suggested that Clare County Council re-establish the lookout area.
“I would respectfully suggest to Councillor Keating, being a young man of ability and charm that he might re-enact Toraíocht Diarmuid agus Gráinne in the shape of Toraíocht Gabriel agus Cailín Eile,” Councillor PJ Kelly suggested to a stunned meeting.
“It would certainly be a major, major attraction,” he maintained. 
In reply to Councillor Keating’s suggestion, Cyril Feeney, Clare County Council, said that having a viewing point hanging off a remote cliff edge, might be contrary to health and safety guidelines.
“The proposal would be a very interesting and innovative concept but it will require significant research to assess if it is possible to meet modern standards and safety requirements. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to progress such a project at this time,” Cyril Feeney said in his written reply.
However, Councillor Keating refused to accept that establishing a picturesque viewing point may not be a runner.
“I never go along with the fact that we’re not in a position to progress such a project at this time. I think this is the time to progress this project and to do a bit of research. When I put down the motion in relation to Loop Head Lighthouse in 2009, it got a similar reception. We moved it on to the county council and from then on, it gathered legs. This is a new idea. I think we need to push the lighthouse project ahead even more,” he said.
Councillor Keating suggested that the council shouldn’t be overly worried about stringent health and safety guidelines.
“After all, if it was safe 100 years ago to do what was done, surely with modern technology, it should be safe now? We might be going over the top on the health and safety. I was on a busy road in London on Sunday. There was a tractor driver and hedge cutter cutting the grass. He had nobody with him and there seemed to be no health and safety. You just slowed down and passed him out. Are we, in Ireland, thinking too much about health and safety?” Councillor Keating queried.
He was supported by Councillor Pat Keane. 
“I think it’s a good motion. It’s important that we put in place as many attractions as possible in view of the fact that West Clare is getting such publicity tourism wise at the moment,” the Kilkee-based county councillor said.
Councillor Christy Curtin suggested to Councillor Keating that he focus on Mount Callan in the Kilmurry-Ibrickane parish, as well as Loop Head.
“There is a rock, a Diarmuid agus Gráinne stone, at the base of Mount Callan. Follow it up, Councillor Keating. You’re the man to do the job,” Councillor Curtin asserted.